Hidden Gems in the South

Hidden Gems in the South

Vanderbilt. Duke. The University of Virginia. The southern part of the United States is full of fantastic institutions of higher learning. We’re guessing you’ve heard of the three we mentioned above. (And there’s a strong chance at least one of them is on your list.)

As you build out your college list, however, we hope you’ll take time to consider schools that you may know less about initially or that may not have a national headline-grabbing sports team. Within their campuses and programs may be exactly what you’re really looking for.

Below are four more schools we think are worth further investigation if you think you may want to attend college in the South.

Davidson College (Davidson, NC)

With just under 2,000 students, Davidson College is, in many ways, the model of what students describe when pining for the liberal arts college experience. Self-described as a place dedicated to cultivating “humane instincts and disciplined, creative minds,” Davidson features a robust curriculum and diverse student body bound together by an honor code.

One key difference between Davidson and many of its liberal arts contemporaries is that it has a full slate of Division 1 sports programs. You can get all the excitement of ESPN Game Day (ok, maybe not quite since the days of Steph Curry on campus) while still maintaining the tight-knit community of a small school. Students interested in schools like Dartmouth, Williams, or Haverford, as well as those drawn to North Carolina by places like UNC and Duke should strongly consider adding Davidson to their list.

William and Mary (Williamsburg, VA)

Though it might not register in every national circle, William and Mary is the second-oldest university in the United States, behind Harvard. Students interested the opportunities housed at a serious research institution should definitely consider William and Mary for their list.

With near 2/3 of their majors in STEM or related fields, William and Mary is a particular strong place for students considering careers in the sciences. Opportunities abound for independent inquiry and exploration even for first year students. If universities like Johns Hopkins or Cal Tech are on your list, take a closer look at this “public Ivy.”

High Point University (High Point, NC)

Do you want to live in a dorm that feels like the best version of home? Would you like your education to emphasize doing as much as learning? Do you want to think of your college experience to be about acquiring life skills as much as classroom knowledge? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, High Point University may be the perfect place for you.

Clearly, High Point is a university with different priorities than many. And for many students, this is the exact environment they need to succeed. Perhaps you’ve been considering places like the New School in New York City or Northeastern University in Boston. HPU should also be on your list.

Elon University (Elon, NC)

A short drive from its more well-known neighbors, Duke and UNC, Elon University consistently ranks as one of the most student-centered schools in the country. Mentoring, experiential learning, and innovative teaching are hallmarks of an Elon education.

For students who want a medium-sized institution (think Tufts, Washington University in St. Louis, or American University), Elon fits in a similar mold. But with its honor code and focus on learning through projects and field experience, it creates an environment all its own. One consistent comment from Elon students and alumni is how happy they are to be there. This should not be overlooked. How do you want your day-to-day college experience to play out? And how do you want to remember your time?  

The expert admissions consultants at Wise World Prep have helped hundreds of students maximize their potential of being admitted to their top choice colleges and universities. Over 20 years, we have successfully guided students through each stage of the application process – from choosing competitive high school courses to building an appropriate college list to drafting winning essays to writing persuasive update and appeals letters. We would be happy to answer your questions and partner with you to create a successful admissions roadmap.

Ready to get started? Schedule a complimentary 20-minute conversation today!

Want to stay informed? Subscribe to our newsletter.

See what others are saying about us.

Wise World Prep